Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

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Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father

Released Oct 31, 2008

1h 35m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

96%

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5,000+ Ratings

In 2001, 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagby is found dead in a park in Pennsylvania. He had been shot by his ex-girlfriend, who then fled to Canada, where she was able to walk free on bail, pregnant with Andrew's child. Andrew's enraged parents campaign to gain custody of the child and convict their son's killer. Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne pairs this story with home movies and interviews with those who knew Andrew, hoping to give his best friend's son an opportunity to discover who his dad was.

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Critics Consensus

Dear Zachary is a both a touching tribute to a fallen friend and a heart-wrenching account of justice gone astray, skillfully put to film with no emotion spared.

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Mark Holcomb

Time Out

Rated: 4/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Rob Humanick

Slant Magazine

The most ambitious work of its kind.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 26, 2009

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Hank Sartin

Time Out

Just take our advice and bring tissues. You're going to need them.

Rated: 5/5

Nov 25, 2008

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

You can almost feel the love radiating out of every frame, from a father to a son who never met, but who will touch millions in ways they never thought possible.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 7, 2019

Full Review

C.J. Prince

Way Too Indie

It's one of the few films guaranteed to turn its viewers into a sobbing mess by the end, and the raw power of its story is why it still has a lasting impact with people today.

Jun 20, 2019

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

An uneven yet frequently heartbreaking documentary...

Rated: 3/4

Nov 27, 2015

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Terrie G

I’m not sure who buried this film! Well done Kurt! You did an amazing job for Kate and David! They are saints and incredibly strong!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

Full Review

Jonah K

i told myself i’d never watch this again. this time i mean it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/31/24

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Cidal K

Andrew and his story are so very special and are portrayed in quite literally the most magical way possible. What comes after is beyond tragic. Will always return to this story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/26/24

Full Review

Robert R

Probably one of the most unforgivingly devastating and infuriating documentaries — nay, films overall — you'll ever watch. A movie that'll make you, your hopes and your opinions of people in general feel so small and empty. A story I've been aware of for some time, but have just never had the guts to see in its lauded cinematic depiction. More than one good thing may have come out of "Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father." Changes made in society at large and to legislation in Canada in specific. But, at what cost? As a thinking, feeling human being, it's hard not to dwell solely on the abject horror of everything that happened. Here's hoping that someone further down the line can look back on all that's been prevented since the events in question and be truly grateful. Right now, though, it's just still hard.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/30/23

Full Review

Rick W

Advance warning especially for parents, this movie is devastating, maybe more than any other movie you've ever seen. Its best if you don't know to much about the motive so just know awful things happen but you'll meet two of the most amazing people that will give you hope for humanity. They are as close to saints as I have ever seen. This is a must watch and I guarantee it will stay with you for years. Easily the saddest documentary I have ever watched. If this movie doesn't move you then I would check for a pulse.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/23

Full Review

Bonnie L

This movie was heartbreaking. If it wasn't bad enough that the father of this young fella was murdered but what happens to this little boy is just an injustice. So very sad for the grandparents. I did enjoy all the footage and the thoughtfulness of saving it for Zachary. Tear jerker!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/26/23

Full Review

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Kurt Kuenne

Director

Kurt Kuenne

Narrator

Kurt Kuenne

Writer

Kurt Kuenne

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Synopsis

In 2001, 28-year-old Dr. Andrew Bagby is found dead in a park in Pennsylvania. He had been shot by his ex-girlfriend, who then fled to Canada, where she was able to walk free on bail, pregnant with Andrew's child. Andrew's enraged parents campaign to gain custody of the child and convict their son's killer. Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne pairs this story with home movies and interviews with those who knew Andrew, hoping to give his best friend's son an opportunity to discover who his dad was.

Director: Kurt Kuenne
Producer: Kurt Kuenne
Screenwriter: Kurt Kuenne
Production Co: MSNBC Network
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 31, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 24, 2016
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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